NEW YORK — Mitsubishi used the venue of the 2009 New York Auto Show to confirm that it is building a production version of its electric i MiEV. The vehicle is bound for global markets, including the U.S., it said in a statement.
Moe Durand, Mitsubishi's U.S. spokesman, told Inside Line that the company has not yet determined the timetable for the U.S. launch of the electric i MiEV.
"We're not putting out a date," he said. "But it will roll out in 2009 in Japan and 2010 in Europe. In the U.S., we're working to be competitive against Nissan and others."
Durand would not speculate on a price for the electric vehicle, either. But he noted that it will cost about $30,000 in the home market, including government subsidies.
Fleet sales of the i MiEV, which stands for "Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle," are slated for July in Japan.
The electric car, which is based on Mitsubishi's "i' car, can be recharged from a standard 110-volt outlet. A fast-charge connector allows the battery to reach 80 percent of capacity in 30 minutes, the automaker said. The i MiEV uses an advanced lithium-ion battery system, electric motor and onboard charging system.
Mitsubishi also announced that Oregon and Portland General Electric are joining it in a MiEV partnership program. While details are sketchy at this point, the two are expected to serve as a test ground in the car's development for the U.S. market. Portland General Electric is rolling out a network of charging stations in Oregon.
Inside Line says: Mitsubishi jumps on the electric vehicle bandwagon and hints at a 2011 time frame for the U.S. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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